Republican lawmakers have huge financial edge

Republicans who control the state Legislature have amassed a huge cash advantage over Democrats.

The latest fundraising figures for the first six months of 2013 show that Democrats are far behind the GOP, who are looking to retain and increase their hold on the Assembly and Senate in 2014.

Incumbent Republicans in the Legislature collectively raised $1 million through the end of June, compared with just $411,000 for Democrats. Republicans currently have a 78-54 majority of seats in both the Assembly and Senate.

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign compiled the fundraising numbers and released them Wednesday.

Republicans also have a fundraising advantage in campaign committees, with $363,000 cash on hand in July compared with just $143,000 for Democrats.

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